With Adhesive Or Securing Means Patents (Class 33/758)
  • Patent number: 7716848
    Abstract: A tape measure device for measuring lengths is provided. The tape measure device comprises a housing having a slotted opening. A retractable measuring tape is wound within the housing with the measuring tape having a free end extending through the slotted opening and a secured end secured within the housing and the measuring tape being alternatingly extractable from and receivable into the housing. A viewing slot is formed in the measuring tape. A triangular-shaped tab is secured to the free end of the measuring tape. A rotating mechanism provides rotation of the tab relative to the free end of the measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Ryan Calvey
  • Patent number: 7676948
    Abstract: The disclosure depicts a children's tape dispenser and method that incorporates it into practice. The apparatus has a housing in the form of a toy, and has a tape coil positioned within the housing. Tape having a gentle and nonpermanent adhesive is dispensed underneath the apparatus as it is moved across a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Tammie Miles
  • Patent number: 7676949
    Abstract: A measuring tape (150) having a pivoting catch (160) that rotates (172) about a measuring tape axis (159). A rotational catch coupling assembly is secured to the distal end of the measuring tape. The catch (160) is pivotally assembled to the rotational catch coupling assembly via a pivot assembly having a pivot shaft (180) and a lock assisting spring (188). The pivot shaft (180) is oriented parallel to the measuring tape axis (159). A registration interface such as pins (174) and apertures (176, 177, 178) maintain the catch (160) in position. The catch (160) rotates 360 degrees, and can include registration at any angle, but preferably at least 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Emanuel Lungu, Pavel Lungu
  • Publication number: 20100058599
    Abstract: A leveling rod on adhesive tape and a method of surveying are disclosed. A leveling rod on adhesive tape imprinted with a standardized increment of measure including metric, U.S. units, engineering scale or other increment of linear measure and imprint it in a fashion common to leveling rods on an adhesive tape or label preferably in a descending scale or other format for example ascending scale, or a scale defined as cut fill. TRUE ELEVATION GRADE TAPE could then be applied to any object of interest. After a few mathematical calculations to determine your instrument height you would place at that height, the corresponding gradient imprinted on the TRUE ELEVATION GRADE TAPE on the object of interest and when viewed with any telescopic instrument i.e. a builders level, you could determine the exact elevation of the object of interest. Or any change thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Lee Edgar Sartain
  • Patent number: 7669347
    Abstract: An improvement on the structure of a measuring tape device is that a magnetic mechanism is secured at the distal end of a measuring tape. The magnetic mechanism is not placed onto the leg piece of the hook member and thus is not formed as part of the body of the hook member of the measuring tape. The front end of the magnetic mechanism is placed in alignment with the “0” cm mark on the measuring tape. During measuring process of an object of measurement and a designated point, the magnetic mechanism allows the measuring tape to be magnetically attached to the surface of the object and anchored at the exact starting point of measurement, and therefore, the measuring precision will not be skewed because of thickness of the hook member or because of the gap caused by the movable mechanics of the hook member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Huang
  • Patent number: 7644510
    Abstract: The Layout Framing Tape provides a quick, actuate, cost effective means of laying out standard and non standard construction framing projects not previously incorporated in prior art. The user can utilize symbols, text, shapes, and a standard/metric ruler to locate these members. The Layout Framing Tape provides a simplified, modified and improved method for locating these building members. By using the appropriate location, the user can eliminate workmanship errors and locate but not limited to suds, runners and various size doors. Additionally, the Framing Layout Tape can be used to locate non standard members using the 48? (1220 mm) ruler as a guide. It is intended to leave the Framing Layout tape in place via an adhesive backing. However, the potions of the tape not covered by a building member may be removed as the trade's person as they see fit to do.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Gingerella, Philip P Gingerella
  • Patent number: 7627958
    Abstract: A measuring tape having a concave blade marked with a measuring scale on the concave surface, and an end hook having a hooking portion, wherein the end hook has a portion which partially covers and is attached to the convex side of the blade and is slidable between limit points with respect to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Fisco Tools Limited
    Inventors: Hauke Philip Derek Tallon, Barry Howard Lee
  • Publication number: 20090288307
    Abstract: A magnetic end hook on tape measure, comprises a magnet (3) and a main body (1) of the end hook which includes a horizontal portion (11) jointed with a tape blade, a vertical portion (12) having a front surface (12b), a rear surface (12a) and at least one hole (121) for setting said magnet (3); wherein the magnetic end hook further comprising an gasket (2), said gasket has an adapted hole or groove (24) for receiving said magnet (3). A method of manufacture and an application are also described. Compared with the prior art, in this invention, the gasket, additionally set between the hole of the end hook and the magnet on the magnetic end hook, is resilient and can adjust the preferred distance between the magnet and the inner wall of the hole. Therefore, the magnet is mounted more firmly and the probability of falling or breaking is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Xiaogang Zhou
  • Patent number: 7596881
    Abstract: A tape measure fastening kit having a series of end pieces in varying lengths to attach to a tab of a tape measure blade so that a single user may secure the tape measure blade to an edge or corner of a work surface. Each end piece has an outer tip which is angled at a 45-degree angle to catch the bottom of the edge or corner of a work surface. Another embodiment provides a solitary L-shaped attachment piece which attaches directly to the top side of the blade at the distal end and which has a lower portion having a 45-degree angled tip to catch the bottom of the edge or corner of a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Denis A Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7581333
    Abstract: The invention includes a flexible, removable and reusable adhesive backed tape constructed in the conventional form of a flat elongate strip having measurement indicia printed on the opposite non-adhesive surface. The indicia include selected measurement markings divided into prescribed segments that are replicated sequentially along the length of the tape. The tape further includes a straight level indicator line and spaces for erasable writings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Gary S. Dressler
  • Patent number: 7568296
    Abstract: A construction for position fixing of a rule tape comprises a main housing having a handle formed at its upper end, and a wound rule tape for measurement in the main housing. The free end of said rule tape has a buckle ring with a magnetic adjacent to said buckle, to absorb the generation of a pulling force due to the weight of buckle ring A fixing element is installed in the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Huang
  • Publication number: 20090178291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement of tape rule, in particular to end piece of the tape rule which includes measuring tape connecting portion and hook hanging portion, both parts are made of same material as a whole body. The hook hanging portion of measuring tape contains at least one space, inside the space, there is an absorbing member which can be easily detached from the hook plate by people without using a hand tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Huang
  • Patent number: 7533473
    Abstract: A non-structural shear wall nailing template bears a pattern of shear wall nailing pattern markings. The template is made of an inexpensive sheeting material that will not interfere with the further construction of the building if the template remains in-situ after construction of the shear wall. In one example, the template is a strip. The strip bears lettering that indicates the type of nailing pattern to which the nailing pattern markings conform. After fixing the template to one or more sheathing panels such that the template is aligned in a predefined way with respect to framing members behind the panel(s), nails are driven at the locations of the markings on the template. By driving a nail at the location of each template marking, the shear wall is constructed with proper nail spacing. A set of templates is provided to facilitate nailing in different shear wall nailing patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Bryan S. M. Chua
  • Publication number: 20090064525
    Abstract: An improved structure tape rule hook that provides a hook of the tape rule which has an attractive component. The hook is a planar component bent vertically to thereby form a hook mounting element at its upper extent, and disposed on the hook mounting element are a plurality of elongated round holes and, furthermore, the other side is bent downward vertically to form a hook measuring element. The hook measuring element has a containment recess, which is die extruded, enabling the embedding of the attractive component in order to fix it onto the hook measuring element. As such when taking measurements the attractive component of the tape rule increases user convenience, thereby enhancing the practical value of the tape rule provided by the improved structure tape rule hook of the invention herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Chen
  • Publication number: 20090031576
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement of tape rule, in particular to end portion of the measuring tape which includes measuring tape connecting portion and hook hanging portion, both parts are made in same material as whole body. The surface of measuring tape connecting portion is formed with rivets. The hook hanging portion of measuring tape has at least 1 mm thickness, its surface contains holes with enough depth to enclose a magnetic object, the magnets thickness does not exceed the depth of the holes; the surface of hook hanging portion is wrapped with a holding element covering its front surface, rear surface, and the magnetic object enclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Huang
  • Patent number: 7475491
    Abstract: A method and apparatus includes the coiling of an elongated article into a number of equal circumference coils through the provision of indicators spaced along a length of the article. Aligning the indicators of one set of indicators, a person can coil the elongated article into a first number of equal circumference coils and aligning the indicators of another set of indicators, a person can coil the elongated article into a second number of equal circumference coils. The first and second number of coils not being equal, i.e. the first number of coils may be four total coils and the second number of coils may be two total coils. The circumferences of the second number of coils being greater than the circumferences of the first number of coils, thereby allowing a person to choose how small or how large of a circumference of coil to create.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Ron Richardson
  • Patent number: 7475492
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement of tape rule, in particular to end portion of the measuring tape which includes measuring tape connecting portion and hook hanging portion, both parts are made in same material as whole body. The surface of measuring tape connecting portion is formed with rivets. The hook hanging portion of measuring tape has at least 1 mm thickness, its surface contains holes with enough depth to enclose a magnetic object, the magnet's thickness does not exceed the depth of the holes; the surface of hook hanging portion is wrapped with a holding element covering its front surface, rear surface, and the magnetic object enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Huang
  • Patent number: 7475485
    Abstract: The archery bow yardage tape apparatus comprises one or more set-up tapes, selectively incremented to correspond to the distance between adjacent marks. A plurality of distance yardage tapes are selectively incremented and color coded for ease of identification. A conversion chart is used to identify the distance yardage tape by marking the set-up tape at two selective distances, such as twenty yards and sixty yards, and subtracting the smaller marking from the larger marking, to determine the setting on the conversion chart. The setting on the conversion chart corresponds to the number on the distance yardage tape, which is positioned over the set-up tape on the bow yardage tape apparatus. The distance yardage tape then identifies the elevation required to reach a target at any specified distance from the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Harold M. Hamm, Brian H Hamm, Christopher A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 7454845
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing and a tape retractably coupled to the housing. The tape has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a free end onto which an end clip is moveably coupled. The end clip includes a first attachment portion and a first flange extending therefrom. In addition, an intermediate clip is fixedly coupled to the tape. The intermediate clip includes a second attachment portion and a second flange extending from second attachment portion. The second flange includes a flange face located one measurement unit from the free end of the tape. The end clip cooperates with a set of first measurement markings applied to the tape to provide linear measurements. Whereas, the intermediate clip cooperates with a set of second measurement markings applied to the tape. The set of second measurements markings commence at one measurement unit from the free end of the tape. In addition, the tape measure may include reverse marking applied to the back side of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Robert W. Wise
  • Patent number: 7434330
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing; a measuring tape deployable with respect to the housing between a fully retracted position and a deployed position; the tape having an anchored end and a free end; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions interockingly engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; wherein the first and second coupling portions are interlockingly engageable, and advantageously also disengageable, when the measuring tape free end is in the fully retracted position. Advantageously, each of the end fittings have a measuring abutment surface disposed aligned with a zero point of the tape's measuring scale when the corresponding end fitting is coupled to the measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. McEwan, Christopher T. Cluff, Brian D. Westbrook
  • Publication number: 20080209749
    Abstract: A non-structural shear wall nailing template bears a pattern of shear wall nailing pattern markings. The template is made of an inexpensive sheeting material that will not interfere with the further construction of the building if the template remains in-situ after construction of the shear wall. In one example, the template is a strip. The strip bears lettering that indicates the type of nailing pattern to which the nailing pattern markings conform. After fixing the template to one or more sheathing panels such that the template is aligned in a predefined way with respect to framing members behind the panel(s), nails are driven at the locations of the markings on the template. By driving a nail at the location of each template marking, the shear wall is constructed with proper nail spacing. A set of templates is provided to facilitate nailing in different shear wall nailing patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Bryan S.M. Chua
  • Publication number: 20080201975
    Abstract: The Layout Framing Tape provides a quick, actuate, cost effective means of laying out standard and non standard construction framing projects not previously incorporated in prior art. The user can utilize symbols, text, shapes, and a standard/metric ruler to locate these members. The Layout Framing Tape provides a simplified, modified and improved method for locating these building members. By using the appropriate location, the user can eliminate workmanship errors and locate but not limited to studs, runners and various size doors. Additionally, the Framing Layout Tape can be used to locate non standard members using the 48? (1220 mm) ruler as a guide. It is intended to leave the Framing Layout tape in place via an adhesive backing. However, the portions of the tape not covered by a building member may be removed as the trade's person as they see fit to do.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Gingerella, Philip P. Gingerella
  • Publication number: 20080196264
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing; a measuring tape deployable with respect to the housing between a fully retracted position and a deployed position; the tape having an anchored end and a free end; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions interockingly engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; wherein the first and second coupling portions are interlockingly engageable, and advantageously also disengageable, when the measuring tape free end is in the fully retracted position. Advantageously, each of the end fittings have a measuring abutment surface disposed aligned with a zero point of the tape's measuring scale when the corresponding end fitting is coupled to the measuring tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: COOPER BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. McEwan, Christopher T. Cluff, Brian D. Westbrook
  • Publication number: 20080196265
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing that includes a frame and a mouthpiece body moveable mounted to the frame. The mouthpiece body includes a tape exit port that is moveable, advantageously rotatably, and may include an external recess aligned with the exit port. A measuring tape is supported by the housing and selectively deployable from the housing via the exit port. The movable exit port may allow the tape to enter the housing along a line that is tangent to the coil of tape rotatably supported by the housing. This tangency is advantageously maintained as the size of the coil changes due to the amount of tape therein. Other aspects and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: COOPER BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. McEwan, Christopher T. Cluff, Brian D. Westbrook
  • Patent number: 7412794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to tape measure apparatus including an adapter having a first portion, which is sized and shaped so as to be attached to a butt end of a fishing pole, and a second portion, which is attached to the first portion. The tape measure apparatus is provided with a tape measure device sized and shaped such that the tape measure device can be removably attached to the adapter. In this manner, conventional fishing poles can be retrofitted with the tape measure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7406778
    Abstract: A measuring tape end piece (10) is disclosed having a support portion (28) and a grip portion (32). The grip portion is moulded onto the support portion. The support portion provides a keying interface on which the support portion is moulded. The keying interface includes at least one concave formation such as a hole or channel to allow the grip portion to be firmly secured to the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fisco Tools Limited
    Inventors: Barry Howard Lee, John Richard Fisher
  • Patent number: 7373731
    Abstract: Construction templates, as well as methods of use that employ construction templates, are described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise construction specifications printed on substantially dimensionally stable material. Functions of the construction templates include, but are not limited to, (i) indicating the substantially exact locations for installing building components, (ii) protecting floors and other building components from water or weather damage during building construction, and, (iii) providing a barrier to, and containment for, construction debris that could otherwise contaminate or infiltrate a building under construction. Some embodiments comprise elongated construction templates that attach to wall plates to facilitate wall construction. Other embodiments comprise construction templates that attach to the floors of nascent buildings to display construction specifications that facilitate further building construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Donovahn Nyberg
  • Publication number: 20080010848
    Abstract: The disclosure depicts a children's tape dispenser and method that incorporates it into practice. The apparatus has a housing in the form of a toy, and has a tape coil positioned within the housing. Tape having a gentle and nonpermanent adhesive is dispensed underneath the apparatus as it is moved across a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Tammie Miles
  • Publication number: 20070283589
    Abstract: The invention comprises a universal template tape for use in construction, home improvement and various crafts. The tape has an adhesive backing, while the non-adhesive side of the tape bears a regularly spaced set of indicia. The indicia include a combination of distance markers perpendicular to the edges off the tape. The indicia further include a grid of regularly spaced parallel lines forming a forty-five degree angle with the edges of the tape. The various embodiments of the universal template tape include combinations of different distance markers and grids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Nicholas C. Garcia
  • Patent number: 7293368
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for accurately recording measurements of a window and producing accurate window treatments. A reference strip is provided having measurement indicia thereon, such as a checkerboard pattern of squares of predetermined sizes. The reference strip may be placed proximate a window and photographed. The size of the window may be accurately determined from the resulting photograph using the associated reference strip. The window may also be measured and the measurements stored as biographic data and associated with the photograph to form an accurate and verifiable window biography. The biography may be provided to another party, such as a treatment manufacturer, who verifies the measurements of the biographic data using photograph and produces a suitable window treatment according to the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventors: Frank Faulk, Richard C. Cope
  • Patent number: 7281340
    Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring device comprising a measuring tape, and a coupling hingedly mounted to the free end of the measuring tape, the coupling comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first section and the second section are substantially perpendicular to one another, the coupling being moveable between a first state in which the first section is disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the measuring tape, and a second state in which the second section is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Seamus Greally
  • Patent number: 7266905
    Abstract: A structure of head for the measuring tapes includes a moving part pivoted on a tape hook of the tape head, such that the moving part can overturn upwards and downwards on the tape hook and has the front portion thereof pivoting a wheel, wherein the wheel contacts with the object to measure or other contact areas as the tape is to be output and the output of the tape is facilitated through the rotation of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Shih-Lin Lee
  • Patent number: 7240439
    Abstract: A magnetic end hook for a tape measure has a hook member having a mounting section extending in a first direction and a hooking section extending away from the mounting section in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction. A distinct bezel affixes to the hooking section so as to capture a magnet between the bezel and the hooking section. A magnet is disposed at least partially in a hole in the hooking section and a hole in the bezel so as to be visible from both front and rear views of the end hook. The magnet may include flanges and a fastener, such as a rivet, may secure the bezel in place. There may be a second magnet similarly situated. A tape measure and methods of assembly are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Critelli, Lin Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 7234246
    Abstract: The tape measure incorporates a lighting device that is positioned to illuminate a measured length on the tape. The tape has a set of numerals for outside measurement that are of one color and a set of numerals for inside measurement that are of a different color. When switched on, the light provides a significant contrast with one of the sets of numerals to make that particular set of numerals significantly stand out from the other set of numerals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Marten C. Rhead
  • Patent number: 7204037
    Abstract: The invention called a Framer's Tape Hook is a modification of a tape hook, which is attached to a retractable tape measure. The modification adds the capacity to offset the tape hook by ½ the thickness of any framing member. The purpose of this modification is to mark the edge locations of wall studs, floor and ceiling joist, rafters, and trusses. The Framer's Tape Hook can extend ¾ of an inch for dimension lumber. The Framer's Tape Hook can extend ? of an inch for LGS, or light gauge steel studs. The Framer's Tape Hook can extend 1¼ inches for 2½ inch wide strapping. The Framer's Tape Hook can be set, to accommodate any stud, joist, or rafter size. The Framer's Tape Hook adds speed and accuracy when marking layout, whether it is a 16 inch on-center layout, 24 inch on-center layout, or any other desired layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Kane
  • Patent number: 7200949
    Abstract: The motorized chalk box includes a chalk line reel having an internal ring gear. An electric motor drives a pinion gear, which engages the ring gear, thus resulting in a very compact assembly. The motor and gearing are sealed from the chalk dust reservoir, through which the chalk line passes. The housing comprises two components secured by a single screw to facilitate minor maintenance. A spring loaded, automatically releasing line clip extends from the distal end of the chalk line. The line clip includes a spring-loaded sleeve, which is biased against the anchor (screw, nail, etc.) when in place. Releasing the tension on the chalk line causes the sleeve to spring against the anchor, thus kicking the line clip away from the anchor. The chalk box may thus be operated using only one hand, greatly improving safety for workers in elevated environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Troy A. Leslie, Bill Elliott
  • Patent number: 7185446
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a moveable catch. An automatic tape measure has a housing and a tape assembly. The tape assembly is supported in the housing and contains a tape switch, a reel, a drive, the movable catch, and a tape adapted to extend and retract from the front wall of the housing. The movable catch is coupled to a distal end of the tape. The movable catch includes a body, a spring, and a tongue. The tongue is pivotably coupled with the body via an axle. Thus, when the tape is extended, the tongue can pivot about the axle when it encounters an object in its path. The spring is positioned around the axle and causes the catch to return to its original, generally perpendicular position once the tongue passes the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Wade Charles King
  • Patent number: 7181860
    Abstract: A miter measuring tape, for allowing a workman to readily and quickly measure a section of window or door frame casing stock from the inside point of a miter cut end of said stock section, having a tape measure with a hooking member of adjustable and fixable length pivotally connected to one end of said tape measure at the proximal end of said hooking member, with said hooking member having a hook at the distal end of said hooking member, said hook being used to secure the miter measuring tape to the outside point of said miter cut end of said stock section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Kurt Franklyn Umholtz
  • Patent number: 7127826
    Abstract: Markers, methods of marking, and marking systems for use in association with images are disclosed. One marker is removable with a targeted design and metric dimensions inscribed on a clear plastic flap. This marker is attached adjacent to an area of interest with the target placed in such a manner to precisely pin point out an observed abnormality. A paper label at one edge is available for written comments and directions for further studies. The marker can be removed without damage to the image(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Donald G. Russell
  • Patent number: 7124515
    Abstract: A measuring device including a mechanism for measuring such as a tape measure, the mechanism for measuring having a end hook; and a mechanism for selectively securing, such as a magnet, the tape to an object, such as a pipe, the mechanism for selective securing being attached to the end hook of the mechanism for measuring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Juenemann
  • Patent number: 7055260
    Abstract: A measuring tape for measuring the distance between a first point and a second point comprises a housing having a blade outlet and a blade hub centrally located inside the housing, a flexible elongated blade having one fixed end connected to the blade hub and coiled into a roll around the blade hub, and having a free end extending from the housing through said blade outlet, and a tab fixed to free end of the blade for temporarily and removably hooking the free end of the blade to the first point, the tab extending in at least two directions transverse to a lengthwise edge of the blade at the free end of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Thunderfoot Associates, L.P.
    Inventor: William W. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6966123
    Abstract: A securing device and method for assisting in the measurement of workpieces having mitered ends, including a clamp with two opposable arms for temporarily retaining the workpiece therebetween, including at least one arm extension providing a retaining edge to engage the distal end of a measurement tape at a reference point adjacent the distal end of a workpiece for measurement, the retaining edge receiving the end of a measurement tape allowing it to be withdrawn without slipping. A kit providing at least two of the arm extensions to be slidably attached over the arms of the clamp and providing a structure can retrofit a standard commercially available clamp, each of the mounting extensions include an arm receiving recess which can attach to the end of the arms of the clamp, the recess being shaped and configured to slidably engage the arm to hold the arm extension by interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Andrew Rubino
  • Patent number: 6931753
    Abstract: An end assembly for a tape rule is disclosed. This end assembly has a hooking member for attachment to a free end of the tape rule. The hooking member includes a plate section, an elbow section, and an abutment section. The plate section is for longitudinal alignment along the free end of the tape rule. The elbow section upwardly curves from the plate section to the abutment section. The abutment section downwardly curves to a substantially perpendicular orientation to the plate section, and the abutment section downwardly extends below the tape rule. The hooking member is positioned to an article to be measured, and the abutment section contacts and frictionally engages an edge of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Ryals, Frederick Diggle, Wilson Ryals
  • Patent number: 6931743
    Abstract: An improved chalk line tip for a chalk-line. The tip having a string attachment portion, having a first end configured to receive a pivot pin therein and extending in a generally arcuately shaped configuration toward a second end, which is also configured to receive a pivot pin therein. The string connection body defining an aperture dimensioned to allow passage of a portion of the attachment portion therethrough. A surface attachment portion having various devices for attaching the surface attachment portion to a surface to be marked. The tip is configured to allow various configurations of the attachment device to be presented and attached to a surface to be marked thus allowing for increased applicability and utility upon a variety of surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Patent number: 6912798
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a length or roll of tape that has been designed to be easily removed. The tape has a substrate or film on which two opposingly located adhesive sections are formed. A non-adhesive section is also located on the substrate between the adhesive sections. The non-adhesive section forms a graspable handle at one end of the substrate which makes the tape easier to remove. The invention may also comprise a single adhesive and non-adhesive section which forms a graspable handle. In addition, the non-adhesive section may be substituted with a low strength adhesive section as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Blau, Dan Shannon
  • Patent number: 6874245
    Abstract: A soft stop-proof hook head of a measure tape is located at one end of the measure tape and comprises a ruler hook. A surface of a ruler hook is enclosed by a soft elastomer. The soft elastomer is made of a flexible material. When the soft elastomer is pressed, it generates an elastic resistance; in measuring, the ruler hook is coupled to a measured bench mark of an object to be measured with a slide-stop effect. Moreover, the soft elastomer is extended with a slide piece for enhancing the slide-stop effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Yu-Chun Liu
  • Patent number: 6868619
    Abstract: A tennis net strap that both measures and holds center of tennis net at regulation height above court is described. Strap is of minimally stretching material and employs cam buckle with preferably a short secondary strap with hook-and-loop material as back up security measure. On opposite end of strap from buckle, a metal tab keeps strap end clean and from fraying. A single-end snap clip anchors strap to court. A primary measuring mark is located on strap near tab, which is aligned with slot in cam buckle to ensure strap is fastened at correct length. With cam buckle closed, strap is rotated until secondary mark on strap 36 inches from end of metal tab aligns with top of net, with tab just touching court surface. A third security measure is preferably employed in which now aligned areas on both sides of installed strap are fastened together through net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Edelman Boren, Lawrence Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 6865817
    Abstract: A system is provided for properly resizing a window shade to fit within a window frame adjacent a window. At least one ruler strip is provided with visible graduations thereon. Indicia are provided adjacent at least some of the graduations. The indicia are descriptive of a width of a window frame in which the window shade will fit when the window shade is cut at the graduation adjacent to that indicia. A position of the graduations and the corresponding indicia are misdescriptive of a width of the window shade so that clearance around the perimeter of the window shade and cutting of both edges of the window shade are accommodated. Both rectangular window shade and arched window shade sizing systems are provided. A retainer is also provided for holding and guiding of a cutting tool during cutting of the window shade for proper resizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Shades Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Militello, Barry L. Shevick
  • Patent number: 6839981
    Abstract: An apparatus can be conveniently and temporarily attached to a tape measure to aid in measuring a workpiece. The apparatus has a means of engaging a workpiece at one end of a length to be measured, and has a means of removably attaching to the tape measure. The attachment mechanism consists of a rigid, substantially flat member which is designed to rest under the tape, with two tabs protruding upwards from said rigid member. Each tab has at least one kerf formed in the side of that tab which is adjacent to the tape when the rigid member rests under the tape, so that the curving edges of the tape fit into those kerfs, holding the apparatus in place. In this manner, the apparatus is conveniently attachable to and removable from the tape. Furthermore, while the apparatus is attached to the tape, the apparatus adds stability to the tape, by reinforcing the position of the curving edges of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Tape Ease, LLC
    Inventor: William Michael Rafter
  • Publication number: 20040237325
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a length or roll of tape that has been designed to be easily removed. The tape has a substrate or film on which two opposingly located adhesive sections are formed. A non-adhesive section is also located on the substrate between the adhesive sections. The non-adhesive section forms a graspable handle at one end of the substrate which makes the tape easier to remove. The invention may also comprise a single adhesive and non-adhesive section which forms a graspable handle. In addition, the non-adhesive section may be substituted with a low strength adhesive section as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Kerry Blau, Dan Shannon